It has been an exciting and busy few days at bestofwatford nominated charity for this year Crohn’s and Colitis UK – narrowly pipped at the post for the Hertfordshire 2010 Business Awards, where they were the only charity in the finals – but Suzi Clark, their Director of Marketing and Fundraising, was very proud to accept the Finalist certificate on behalf of the charity which supports 5,000 sufferers in Hertfordshire and has 31,000 members across the UK. It is estimated that one in every 250 people in the UK suffer from Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, and the charity offers support, information and social activities – “these conditions can be devastating, and sufferers can feel very isolated – we do our best to support them” says Suzi. The charity is facing an operating deficit this year because of the additional calls on its free services, and any corporate wishing to make a gift or discuss involving staff in volunteering or fundraising activities, should contact Suzi on 01727 734488. “It was great to meet Chris Hollins, he’s even better-looking than on Strictly Come Dancing” said Suzi … “and it wasn’t just the dry-ice misting my eyes.”
One of the perks of the job is to meet supporters and sometimes they are quite famous, such as Anastacia (pictured with the charity’s CEO, Richard Driscoll) who brought the packed stalls of the Hammersmith Apollo to their feet, with her turbo-charged show “Here Come the Girls” alongside fellow diva Lulu and soul star Heather Small from M People. Richard said “The energy-levels of these three amazing performers was just breath-taking … the audience was exhausted by the end of the evening - we never sat down once! Even more inspiring was the way that Anastacia, a Crohn’s sufferer, met her fans prior to the show and spent so much time talking with them that her “minders” had to come and drag her away to get her into her dressing-room in preparation for the show. She was so generous with her time, and we’re very excited that she is supporting our charity.”
The show is touring the UK and Ireland until 10th December.
“Camp without being kitsch, raunchy without being tacky … this is a lively and impressively polished night out” The Times
